The sexual health guidelines for gay men are a little different than those released for heterosexual couples. Unfortunately, some aspects of their health have to be handled differently. Knowing the differences between these different parts of personal health can be the difference between a long and safe experience with partners and health problems. The authors of dating gay website have released health guidelines for gay men. Use these guidelines to avoid problems in terms of your personals health.
Difficulties in Choosing a Partner
The first thing you must do as a gay man seeking a relationship is to carefully consider every partner you have. While you might be interested in dating a man that is the most fun and adventurous, certain elements of that lifestyle could harm you.
Finding the right partner is not just about a lack of availability, either. Some guys are not willing to date people in-person for fear of being isolated by their peers.
When you take into consideration the adventurousness of some men and the availability of others, there is an obvious solution: gay men are better off meeting online at first. That way, they have time to develop a meaningful and deep relationship before getting involved in other ways. As a result, these guys will advance their partnership smartly and carefully. With that in mind, dating online is not going to tide people over forever, nor is it going to transform other difficulties that come with romance.
Protect Yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections
Another major concern that comes with dating men is what happens when you decide to meet up from the website and start getting involved sexually. Now, there is nothing wrong with having sexual relations within the confines of a partnership; in fact, that is the safest way to do things.
Nevertheless, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can have a profoundly negative impact on a person’s life. Unfortunately, gay men are more at risk of getting STIs and STDs due to various aspects of their lifestyle. Here are some quick guidelines to protect yourself from STDs, STIs, and other major illnesses.
- Use a condom
The smartest thing to do when having sexual relations with another man is to use a condom. Most diseases and infections are transmitted through sexual fluids. Using a condom as a barrier can prevent you from coming into contact with those fluids and keep you safe. Of course, this action is best paired with other preventative measures.
- Be monogamous
Guys like the idea of “being with” as many partners as they can, especially when they are young. However, this comes with some major problems, such as potentially catching and spreading various forms of STIs. That is not to say that every man has one or is at risk of getting one. However, you must remember that the risk is always present.
Instead of trying to date as many guys as you can and have sexual relations with them, a far better approach is to instead be monogamous. Stay with one partner as long as you can, and you can both enjoy sex with one another without worry (after being tested, of course). Monogamy might not always be the most exciting thing to take part in, but it’s by far the safest way to approach relations.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
A major problem that men face in terms of sexual health is getting into a negative situation because they do not have their wits about them. When you drink alcohol, you lower your inhibitions and tend to do what feels best instead of what has the best outcomes available to you. As such, when you drink, you could sleep with someone that you would not in any other case. Furthermore, you could forget to use a condom or spend the night with someone about which you are not sure of their sexual history. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and stay safe!
- Get tested and have your partner tested. (HIV or other sexually transmitted infections)
It may not seem fair, but since gay men have various conflated problems with sexual health, you need to get tested for sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Speak with your doctor to talk about the different tests you should get and how often you need to get them. The most important one to get is HIV because that one might not have obvious symptoms that would send you to the doctor if you somehow caught it. Stay safe and get tested.
Make Routine Health Care a Priority
Routine health care will lessen the chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection and will help you in other ways too. For example, you will improve your hygiene, stay up to date on the latest knowledge, and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your status. Sure, it may be uncomfortable to discuss your sexual history with another person, but it is worth it. Find a good doctor that you trust and register to meet with them as often as needed.
Trying to maintain proper sexual health for gay men can be more challenging than the sexual health outcomes for straight men. Healthcare is mostly about vigilance and making good decisions. As a result, you must think about the different benefits that are available to you. Get tested as regularly as needed and discuss your outcomes with a doctor. Moreover, make smart decisions to avoid putting yourself at risk!
